Friday 13 August 2010

Burston Strike Rally

This year's Burston Strike School Rally will be held on Sunday 6th September at Church Green, Burston near Diss, from 11am to 4;30pm.

Tom and Kitty Higdon moved to Norfolk as teachers in 1902. Their Socialist beliefs brought them into conflict with the powerful in society who claimed that the working class should be 'taught their place'. On arrival in Burston in 1911, they came across the regular exploitation of children by farmers and landowners. They also crossed the path of the Rev Charles Tucker Eland who was defeated by Tom at the parish council elections. This led to charges of discourtesy being made against Kitty and the couple were dismissed. As they handed over control to the authorities, the sound of children marching and singing was heard. The schoolchildren, 66 out of 72, had started a strike, which was to last 25 years. This has become recognised as the longest strike in trade union history.

The pupils continued their education on the village green, attracting leading Labour, Trades' Unions and Women's Suffrage activists to the village to speak. A year went by and a national appeal for money was launched to fund a permanent building for the Strike School, which opened in 1917.

The building is maintained today as a museum, which celebrates the courage of the pupils and their parents and teachers and the annual rally continues to celebrate Trade Union and community solidarity.

This year's guest speakers are Luis Marron, Political Counsellor, Cuban Embassy; Richard Howitt MEP; Tony Benn and Diana Holland, Unite Assistant General Secretary

There will be entertainment from John Hegley and live music from Omar Puente plus The Red Flags plus Paseo Malanga Carnival Band. There will also be campaign stalls, a beer tent and food availale.

A highlight of the annual rally is the march, with trade union banners, around the "Candlestick", the name given to roads circling the village.

Admission is free and all are welcome. There will also be ample parking facilities available.

- Nigel Reigate, UNISON Steward (first posted: 28 August 2009)

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